Thursday, January 4

Androcles' secret

In the days of the Colosseum, Androcles made quite a reputation for his singular success against the lions. Each time, after he whispered a few words in the lion's ear, however vicious the beast, it would demonstrate a complete loss of appetite and slink quietly away, spiritless and defeated. Finally the Emperor's curiosity grew too great, and Androcles was summoned to the royal box to explain.

"It is like this, sire," Androcles began. "I merely tell him, 'As soon as you have finished your dinner, you will be asked to say a few words.' It gets them every time."